Beginning a new series this week, we will begin to take a look at the players who impact will be the most important on the Philadelphia Eagles season. Continuing on to number nine, we will gradually progress our way to number one. For this series, we will take a look at the players who I feel will be important to any success the Eagles have this season.

Moving on from Fletcher Cox at number 10, today we will take a look at the ninth most important player to Philadelphia’s 2017 success in tight end Zach Ertz. While the Eagles did add some offensive weapons this offseason in the form of Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith, and LeGarrette Blount, Carson Wentz is likely to fall back onto those players he knows best.

Recording 78 receptions last season — more than both Dorial Green-Beckham and Nelson Agholor — Ertz was one of Carson Wentz favorite targets. Adding four touchdowns and a total of 816 yards receiving, Ertz was arguably the preferred receiving target of Wentz. With so much change, Ertz — and to an extent Trey Burton — is likely to retain this role in the passing game.

Also adding into this, we must remember the inconsistency that has plagued both Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith in the past. While the change of scenery will be seen as good news for the players, there is no guarantee that both Smith and Jeffery will play like their old selves. If the two players struggle, Ertz will be depended on once again to help produce in the passing attack.

Another factor here is the constant trade rumors swirling around slot receiver Jordan Matthews. Should the Eagles actually trade Matthews this offseason, then an all-new receiving corps will be in for Philadelphia. With trust between the quarterback and his weapons developed over time, this could put even more weight on the Wentz/Ertz relationship.

In the end this season, the success of the passing attack will have a lot to do with how well Zach Ertz plays. If Ertz can help take some pressure off the other wide receivers, then Wentz and the Philadelphia offense should have a good season. However, should Ertz struggle, it will put a lot more pressure on newly signed receivers Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith.